updated 06:05 am EDT, Wed March 20, 2013

Olathe, Kansas to receive Google Fiber in future

Google has announced it will be making its first major expansion for the Google Fiber network, to a city not too far away from its existing service. Officials from Olathe City Council in Kansas approved the build-out of the Fiber network into the city on Tuesday, making it the first location after the service launched to receive Gigabit Internet speeds.

Olathe, located around 20 miles away from Kansas City, Kansas, has a population of 120,000 people, and is the fifth most populous city in the state. Google notes it as one of the "fastest-growing cities in Kansas," and expects that adding Fiber and widespread Internet access will help "create jobs, grow local businesses, and make Olathe even stronger as it grows."

There is currently no timescale for the introduction of Fiber to Olathe, as there is a significant amount of "planning and engineering work" to do before Google opens up pre-registration or commences construction. Google also assures those already eligible to receive Fiber in Kansas City that the expansion will not affect the current published construction schedule.

Google Fiber currently offers Gigabit Internet at a cost of $70 per month. An extensive TV package, including a combined DVR and cable box, 2TB storage box, the ability to record eight TV channels simultaneously, and a Nexus 7 as a remote control, is available for $120 per month. An option for a 5Mbps connection can also be bought for a $300 installation fee, with no further monthly charges for seven years.